A “huge” marine insect named Darth Vader has been found in the South China Sea

Researchers studying crustaceans in Vietnam have discovered a new species of ‘giant’ marine insect that bears a striking resemblance to a classic movie villain.

Deep sea insects, or Pathynomus These species have been eaten regularly in Vietnam since 2017, according to the researchers who published their findings in the scientific journal ZooKeys. The crustacean, which belongs to the isopod family, is caught from deep waters, usually in the South China Sea, and sold in restaurants and other dining venues. The study was exploring the sudden popularity of crustaceans.

While conducting research, scientists noticed a species they did not recognize. All isopods feature hard, protective exoskeletons and seven pairs of legs, but they are usually incredibly small, about 2.5 cm. The researchers said that the new species has evolved to become much larger, reaching about 30 centimeters in length. There are only 11 known species of “giant cyclops” and nine species of “giant” Pathynomus, and this is only the second cyclops to be found in the South China Sea.

This species has been officially named Pathynomus VaderAfter “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader. The researchers said that the crustacean’s head resembles Vader’s famous helmet.

The new species also has a section at the back of its legs that eventually narrows and curves slightly backwards. The study said that this helped researchers distinguish it from existing giant species.

These crustaceans are believed to live more than 3,000 feet underwater, CBS News partner BBC News reported, where light cannot reach. The researchers said they were told that this species was caught near the Spratly Islands in Vietnam. More work will be needed to find out whether these species live elsewhere in the South China Sea.